Saifuddin: More stringent checks at KLIA to combat drug smuggling

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (left) presenting a memento to Singapore’s Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann at the Malaysia-Singapore Cross-Border Joint Security Exercise (FTX 2026) closing ceremony at the RTS Link Wadi Hana site in Johor Bahru today. Oct 28 – Picture by Ben Tan

By Ben Tan

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 7:32 PM MYT

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 — More stringent inspections are set to be implemented at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) following an increase in reported drug smuggling cases at the nation’s primary gateway, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He stated that the inspections will be highly rigorous with checking passengers from head-to-toe and will extend to all luggage or bags being carried.

“The current inspection practices are primarily focused on aviation security, such as the detection of firearms and sharp weapons.

“However, we will implement improvements to also curtail contraband and illegal items by strengthening 17 specific initiatives to be carried out by the home and transport ministries.

“We will also employ a profiling system, particularly for passenger arrivals from destinations we have identified as high-risk,” he said during a press conference at the Malaysia-Singapore RTS Link Security Joint Exercise closing ceremony held at the RTS Link Wadi Hana site here today.

Also present were Singapore’s Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann and the Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.

Saifuddin Nasution said the Home Ministry will also be identifying ‘blind spot’ areas that are not monitored by close circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the KLIA 1 and 2 terminals.

He said both KLIA 1 and 2 have 5,000 operational CCTV cameras, but said there are still ‘blind spot’ areas.

“The relevant department will be addressing this issue as part of the security enhancement process,” he said.

Separately, Saifuddin Nasution said the recent security exercise is essential for testing the level of preperation, response capabilities and coordination between agencies from Malaysia and Singapore.

He pointed out that such exercises are crucial for managing potential crises or emergencies once the service becomes operational.

“The RTS Link is expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, necessitating thorough preparation to ensure that any incidents can be handled effectively.

“This particular scenario presents a challenge that requires close coordination between the two countries – specifically in defining the responsibilities and actions of the relevant agencies in the event of a cross-border emergency,” he said.

Preparations for the exercise began in March under the coordination of the National Security Council (NSC) and involving 28 Malaysian ministries and agencies.